July is one of the best months to visit Zambia for a classic, dry season safari. The landscapes are dry and open, the skies cloudless, and wildlife congregates in remarkable numbers along rivers and waterholes. This is the height of Zambia’s safari rhythm—cool mornings, golden afternoons, and crisp air carrying the distant rumble of elephants or the low call of a lion.

For photographers, wildlife lovers, and those chasing that “Out of Africa” feeling, July is pure magic.

Weather in Zambia in July

July is comfortably dry and cool, especially in the early mornings and evenings. Daytime temperatures typically range from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F), with nights dipping even lower in higher elevations or near river valleys. It’s the kind of weather that calls for a cozy fleece at sunrise and sunglasses by lunch.

There’s virtually no rain, and the bush is thinning fast—making wildlife viewing easier than ever. Dust begins to rise from the roads in some areas, but the trade-off is worth it: the visibility is excellent, and animals are easy to find as they gather near permanent water.

Wildlife in July: Rich Encounters, Unforgettable Moments

Wildlife viewing in July is nothing short of spectacular. With water in short supply, animals converge on rivers and lagoons in great numbers, bringing predators in close behind. Elephants are everywhere—wading through rivers, dusting themselves in the late afternoon sun, or quietly browsing beneath acacia trees. Lions, leopards, and wild dogs are easier to track now, often spotted in the open or lounging in dry riverbeds.

In South Luangwa, the concentration of wildlife around the Luangwa River becomes even more intense. Giraffe herds graze in the open plains, and hippos jostle for space in shrinking lagoons. Lower Zambezi offers thrilling boat-based game viewing—elephants crossing channels, crocodiles sunning on sandbanks, and fish eagles soaring overhead.

Birding remains impressive with many resident species active and vocal, though migratory birds have mostly moved on. The dry air also means clearer photography conditions with soft, golden lighting throughout the day.

Where to Go in July

South Luangwa National Park is at its best. Dry season game viewing is superb, and walking safaris—Zambia’s specialty—are in full swing, offering intimate encounters with the wilderness.

Lower Zambezi National Park shines in July. With the Zambezi River as its lifeblood, this park delivers unforgettable safaris by boat, canoe, or vehicle. Wildlife viewing is excellent both along the river and in the forested escarpments behind.

Kafue National Park is also exceptional now. Its wide, open Busanga Plains start to dry out, attracting large herds of antelope and their predators. Remote and vast, it feels truly wild.

Victoria Falls remains powerful in July, but the spray begins to ease, offering clearer views of the entire waterfall. This is a great month for scenic flights and exploring both sides of the falls without the intense mist of earlier months.

Why Visit Zambia in July?

July is Zambia at its finest: wild, vibrant, and unforgettable. It’s the height of the dry season, offering unbeatable game viewing, beautiful weather, and the full range of safari experiences—from game drives and walking safaris to river adventures and dramatic sunsets.

Whether you’re chasing big cats, following elephant trails, or simply soaking in the silence of the bush at dawn, Zambia in July delivers. It’s a month where the wild pulses with life—and you’re right there in the heart of it.